Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County—118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced—a 98% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys understand local court procedures.
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Class 5 felonies (1-10 years) include grand larceny of $1,000+ and certain drug distributions. Virginia abolished parole in 1995, meaning convicted felons serve at least 85% of their sentence.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Prince William County court information: Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases aggressively.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas) to enter plea.
- Discovery review and pretrial motions—challenge evidence and negotiate with prosecutor.
- Bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or request jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-time offense.
- Sentencing if convicted, or appeal GDC decision to Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry defined penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment impact |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Prince William County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block (15 years law enforcement) and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher.
Bryan Block
Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper) | Virginia Bar | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. Deep knowledge of police procedures and investigation standards. Represents clients in Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome—a 98% favorable outcome rate for Prince William County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County and surrounding communities: Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations—(888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Virginia criminal defense hub: Virginia Criminal Lawyer. Nearby criminal defense lawyers: Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer, Manassas Criminal Lawyer. Related Prince William County legal services: Prince William County DUI Lawyer, Prince William County Family Lawyer. Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
